Related Articles

It's hard to envision a place with more appeal than Branson, Missouri. This Midwest resort town has it all, including more than 50 live performance theaters, Silver Dollar City amusement park, a charming downtown with plenty of shopping and eating spots, and terrific fishing on two different lakes. To enjoy the full Branson experience, book a spot on the water to call home during your visit.

Artilla Cove Resort

An affordable, family-friendly option on Table Rock Lake is Artilla Cove Resort, a meticulously maintained, just-the-basics resort that offers one-, two- or three-bedroom lakefront cottages and suites, all with well-equipped kitchens, king- or queen-sized beds, free wireless Internet, cable television and shared outdoor grills, deck chairs and picnic tables. Make your reservations early to secure one of the resort's rental boats, or bring your own boat—you can dock at the resort's small marina. There's a small lakeside playground for kids as well as a small swimming pool. Artilla Cove Resort 1123 Jakes Creek Trail Branson, MO 65616-7206 (866) 338-2346 www.artilla.net

Big Cedar

If you want to splurge, plan a trip to Big Cedar, a luxury resort operated by the Bass Pro Shops located right on Table Rock Lake. Big Cedar's nine-hole golf course, full-service, two-story marina, nature trails, on-site spa and luxurious accommodations have helped the resort earn its reputation as one of Branson's finest properties. Choose from a selection of cabins and lodge accommodations, all of which give you access to Big Cedar's many amenities, including complimentary bonfires, canoes and paddle boats, heated outdoor swimming pools, and volleyball, basketball and shuffleboard courts. For the kids, there is a playground, kiddie pool and family-friendly miniature golf course. Big Cedar 612 Devil's Pool Rd. Branson, MO 65739 (800) 225-6343 www.bigcedar.com

Indian Point Resort

You can choose between rustic cabins, luxury condominiums and Victorian cottages with one to four bedrooms when you book your vacation at Indian Point Resort, a family-friendly getaway right on the shores of Table Rock Lake. All accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens, televisions and lakeview patios or decks with barbecue grills. The resort's game room comes complete with ping pong and pinball while outdoor activities range from shuffleboard to horseshoes. Don't miss the three heated outdoor swimming pools or a soak in one of five hot tubs. Bring your own boat and rent a slip at the resort's marina, or rent a boat or jet ski from the resort to explore the lake. Indian Point Resort 71 Dogwood Park Trail Branson, MO 65616 (800) 888-1891

Cooper Creek

If you'd rather stay a little off the beaten path, book your vacation at Cooper Creek on Lake Taneycomo, which is quieter and less crowded than Table Rock Lake. Cooper Creek's minimalist, affordable cabins come equipped with stocked kitchens and sleep from two to 10 people. The simple, comfortable cabins come with cable television, ceiling fans, and their own deck or porch. The resort has two swimming pools and a small marina where you can dock your own boat or rent one from the resort. Cooper Creek 471 Cooper Creek Rd. Branson, MO 65616 (800) 261-8398 www.coopercreekresort.com

References

About the Author

Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.